Radiographic imaging apparatus and processing method therefor

ABSTRACT

A radiographic imaging apparatus performs imaging based on an examination order including a plurality of imaging protocols, executes image processing for the captured image based on the imaging protocol used at the time of the imaging, designates a change source imaging protocol and a change destination imaging protocol from the examination order based on an instruction of an operator, and changes the imaging protocol corresponding to the image captured based on the change source imaging protocol from the change source imaging protocol to the change destination imaging protocol. When the change of protocol is made, the apparatus executes image processing based on the change destination imaging protocol for the image before the image processing which is captured based on the change source imaging protocol.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/851,260, filed Aug. 5, 2010. The present application claims benefitof A.N. application Ser. No. 12/851,260 under 35 U.S.C. §120, and claimspriority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application2009-201094, filed Aug. 31, 2009. The entire contents of each of thementioned prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging apparatus and aprocessing method for the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Diagnoses and examinations based on imaging using radiation (forexample, X-rays) have been actively practiced. Such an examinationproceeds based on an examination order including a plurality of imagingprotocols. In this case, an imaging protocol is manually created by, forexample, a radiological technician in accordance with an examinationorder, and includes information such as the region of the patient's bodyto be imaged (the imaging region), imaging method, and image processingwhich are requested by the doctor.

An increasing number of hospitals have been adopting an online systemusing an HIS (Hospital Information System), RIS (Radiology InformationSystem), and the like. In accordance with this trend, an externallycreated examination order is sometimes transferred to a radiographicimaging apparatus via a network. In this case, the operator selects animaging protocol from the examination order displayed on the displayunit of the radiographic imaging apparatus. The apparatus then setsparameters based on the imaging protocol and performs imaging based onthe parameters.

Assume that the operator has selected the wrong imaging protocol, andthe apparatus has executed imaging based on the selected protocol. Inthis case, since the set parameters are not appropriate, the apparatuscannot execute the intended imaging. As a means for solving thisproblem, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2003-275194 is known.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-275194allows to change the imaging protocol from one which has already beenused for imaging to another imaging protocol. This technique, however,takes no consideration of a situation in which an examination proceedsbased on an examination order, and hence does not allow changing to apre-scheduled imaging protocol.

Even if, therefore, an examination order includes an imaging protocol asa change destination, it is not possible to change to that imagingprotocol. For this reason, an examination order may redundantly includeidentical imaging protocols. When the operator is to re-execute imagingthat has been erroneously executed (imaging based on an imagingprotocol), he/she must perform the operation(s) required to add a newimaging protocol. This is cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a technique which can easily cope witheven a situation in which imaging based on an examination order has beenexecuted by using a wrong imaging protocol.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aradiographic imaging apparatus which performs imaging based on anexamination order including a plurality of imaging protocols, theapparatus comprising an imaging unit configured to perform the imagingby irradiating an object with radiation from a radiation generator anddetecting radiation transmitted through the object using a radiationdetector based on the imaging protocol, an image processing unitconfigured to execute image processing for the captured image based onthe imaging protocol used by the imaging unit to make the capturedimage, a change source designation unit configured to designate a changesource imaging protocol from the examination order based on aninstruction from an operator, a change destination designation unitconfigured to designate a change destination imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from the operator, and achanging unit configured to change the imaging protocol corresponding tothe image captured based on the change source imaging protocol from thechange source imaging protocol to the change destination imagingprotocol. When the change is made by the changing unit, the imageprocessing unit executes image processing based on the changedestination imaging protocol for the image before the image processingwhich is captured based on the change source imaging protocol.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda processing method for a radiographic imaging apparatus which performsimaging based on an examination order including a plurality of imagingprotocols, the method comprising causing an imaging unit to perform theimaging by irradiating an object with radiation from a radiationgenerator and detecting radiation transmitted through the object using aradiation detector based on the imaging protocol, causing an imageprocessing unit to execute image processing for the captured image basedon the imaging protocol used by the imaging unit to make the capturedimage, causing a change source designation unit to designate a changesource imaging protocol from the examination order based on aninstruction from an operator, causing a change destination designationunit to designate a change destination imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from the operator, andchanging the imaging protocol corresponding to the image captured basedon the change source imaging protocol from the change source imagingprotocol to the change destination imaging protocol. When the change ismade by the changing unit, the image processing unit executes imageprocessing based on the change destination imaging protocol for theimage before the image processing which is captured based on the changesource imaging protocol.

Further features of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an X-ray imaging system10 to which a radiographic imaging system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functionalarrangement of an X-ray imaging control unit 25 shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing an example of an imaging protocolchange window;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an X-rayimaging apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functionalarrangement of an X-ray imaging control unit 25 according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an X-rayimaging apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functionalarrangement of an X-ray imaging control unit 25 according to the thirdembodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an X-rayimaging apparatus 20 according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be notedthat the relative arrangement of the components, the numericalexpressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do notlimit the scope of the present invention unless it is specificallystated otherwise. The following embodiments will exemplify a case inwhich X-rays are used as radiation. However, radiation is not limited toX-rays but may be other types of electromagnetic waves, or beams ofα-particles, β-particles, or may be γ-rays.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an X-ray imaging system10 to which a radiographic imaging system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is applied.

An X-ray imaging system 10 includes an RIS terminal 11, a PACS terminal12, a viewer terminal 13, a printer 14, and an X-ray imaging apparatus20. These apparatus are connected to each other via a communication 15such as a network.

The RIS terminal 11 is an information system within a radiologydepartment. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 captures an X-ray digitalimage (to be referred to as a captured image hereinafter). The PACSterminal 12 stores and manages the images captured by the X-ray imagingapparatus 20. The viewer terminal 13 and the printer 14 output (displayor print) a diagnosis image.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 executes an examination (imaging) basedon an examination order constituted by a plurality of imaging protocols.In each imaging protocol, imaging conditions, the contents of imageprocessing executed for a captured image, and the like are defined. Morespecifically, each imaging protocol includes various kinds of parameterinformation such as an imaging time and image processing time, sensorinformation, and imaging execution information.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 includes an imaging unit 28, an X-raygeneration control unit 24, an X-ray imaging control unit 25, a displayunit 26, and an operation unit 27.

The imaging unit 28 includes an X-ray tube 21, a sensor unit 22, and asensor 23. In this case, the X-ray tube 21 functions as a radiationgenerator, and irradiates an object (that is, an object to be examined)with X-rays. The X-ray generation control unit 24 controls thegeneration of X-rays based on an imaging protocol. More specifically,the X-ray generation control unit 24 applies a voltage to the X-ray tube21 to make it generate X-rays based on imaging conditions (for example,parameters such as a tube current, tube voltage, and irradiation period)corresponding to an imaging protocol.

The sensor 23 functions as a radiation detector, and detects X-raystransmitted through the object. The sensor unit 22 A/D-converts electriccharge corresponding to the amount of X-rays transmitted through theobject and detected by the sensor 23. The sensor unit 22 then transfersthe result as a captured image to the X-ray imaging control unit 25. TheX-ray imaging control unit 25 comprehensively controls X-ray imagingprocessing based on an imaging protocol. The X-ray imaging control unit25 executes, for example, image processing (for example, correctionprocessing, halftone processing, and frequency processing) for thecaptured image. The X-ray imaging control unit 25 performs imageprocessing by using image processing parameters corresponding to theimaging protocol at the time of imaging operation.

The display unit 26 includes, for example, a display, and displays asystem state and the like to the operator. The display unit 26 displays,for example, the examination order received from the RIS terminal 11(the examination order created by the operator). The operation unit 27includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, and various kinds of buttons,and inputs instructions from the operator into the apparatus. Theoperation unit 27 inputs the designation of imaging protocols as achange source and a change destination into the apparatus.

An example of the functional arrangement of the X-ray imaging controlunit 25 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The X-ray imaging control unit 25 includes an examination informationmanagement unit 31, an examination information holding unit 38, a changesource designation unit 34, a change destination designation unit 35, animaging protocol changing unit 30, an imaging control unit 37, and animage processing unit 36.

The image processing unit 36 executes image processing for a capturedimage. As described above, the image processing unit 36 performs thisimage processing by using image processing parameters corresponding toan imaging protocol.

The change source designation unit 34 designates an imaging protocol asa change target (change source) from the imaging protocols included inthe examination order under execution. The change destinationdesignation unit 35 designates an imaging protocol as a change target(change destination) from the imaging protocols included in theexamination order under execution. Note that the change sourcedesignation unit 34 and the change destination designation unit 35perform designation based on instructions from the operator via theoperation unit 27.

The examination information management unit 31 manages various kinds ofinformation associated with an examination under execution based on theexamination order acquired from the RIS terminal 11 (or manually createdby the operator). The examination information management unit 31includes an examination information acquisition unit 32 and anexamination information updating unit 33. The examination informationacquisition unit 32 acquires the examination information under executionfrom the examination information holding unit 38. The examinationinformation updating unit 33 updates the examination information held inthe examination information holding unit 38.

The imaging protocol changing unit 30 changes the correspondencerelationship between a captured image and an imaging protocol. Morespecifically, the imaging protocol changing unit 30 associates the imagecaptured based on the imaging protocol designated as a change source bythe change source designation unit 34 (before image processing) with thechange destination imaging protocol designated by the change destinationdesignation unit 35. With this operation, the apparatus processes theimage by using image processing parameters corresponding to the changedestination imaging protocol.

The imaging control unit 37 controls imaging based on the imagingprotocol. When, for example, the imaging protocol changing unit 30changes the imaging protocol, the imaging control unit 37 controls theexecution of imaging based on the imaging protocol after the change.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of an imaging protocol change window.FIG. 3A shows a window 41 before the change of the imaging protocol.FIG. 3B shows a window 48 after the change of the imaging protocol. Thewindows shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B each include an object informationdisplay area 43 to display object information and a preview imagedisplay area 47 to display a captured image. Each window also includesan image adjustment button 45 to issue an instruction to adjust an imageprocessing parameter for the captured image in preview and anexamination end button 46 to issue an instruction to end an examination.Each window further includes an examination order display area 44 toindicate the information of an examination order under execution. Anexamination order display area 44 includes a plurality of imagingprotocol buttons 410.

Each imaging protocol button 410 is provided with a thumbnail displayarea 411 to display the thumbnail of a captured image, a name displayarea 412 to display the name of an imaging region, and a sensor typedisplay area 413 to display the information of a sensor type such as astanding-position type or decubitus type. The imaging protocol button410 also indicates a state such as an imaged state (during preview), animaging preparation state, and an imaging ready state. In addition, thewindows shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B each include a sensor state displayarea 42 to indicate the state of a sensor associated with an imagingprotocol under execution. Note that in the windows shown in FIGS. 3A and3B, the states are indicated by characters. However, it is possible toindicate states by operating the GUI, for example, changing the colorsof buttons and performing animation display.

A concrete example of a processing procedure according to the firstembodiment will be described below. Assume that the operator hascaptured a chest R-L image while a chest A-P imaging protocol 414 isdesignated. In this case, the imaging direction is wrong, and henceimage processing to be executed at the time of chest A-P imaging isperformed for a captured chest R-L image.

The operator therefore designates the chest A-P imaging protocol 414 asa change source imaging protocol via the operation unit 27 to set aproper imaging protocol. The operator also designates a chest R-Limaging protocol 415 from the examination order display area 44 as achange destination via the operation unit 27.

Upon receiving this designation, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causesthe imaging protocol changing unit 30 to associate the captured imagewith a chest R-L imaging protocol 417, as indicated by the window 48after the change of the imaging protocol. With this operation, athumbnail image of the captured image is displayed on the chest R-Limaging protocol 417. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 also causes theimage processing unit 36 to re-execute image processing by using theimage processing parameters corresponding to the chest R-L imagingprotocol 417. Thereafter, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 updates thepreview image in the preview image display area 47. An A-P imagingprotocol 416 as a change source shifts to an imaging preparation state(that is, a non-imaged state), and the chest R-L imaging protocol 417 asa change destination shifts to an imaged state. In addition, the sensorstate display area 42 shifts to an imaging ready state to allow imagingagain.

The manner of designating imaging protocols as a change source andchange destination is not specifically limited. For example, such animaging protocol is designated by dragging and dropping a thumbnailimage or an imaging protocol button or by dragging and dropping an imagefrom the preview image display area 47 to a change destination imagingprotocol button. If there are a plurality of examination orders for anexamination under execution, the operator may be allowed to designate achange destination imaging protocol across examination orders.

An example of the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 shown inFIG. 1 will be described next with reference to FIG. 4.

When starting imaging based on an examination order, an operator (forexample, a radiology technician) presses the irradiation button. TheX-ray imaging apparatus 20 then causes the X-ray tube 21 to irradiate anobject with X-rays, and causes the sensor 23 to detect X-raystransmitted through the object. The X-ray imaging control unit 25performs image processing such as correction processing, halftoneprocessing, and frequency processing for the captured image obtained asa result of this operation.

When the display unit 26 displays the processed captured imageafterward, the operator checks the image. Assume that as a result ofthis check, the operator has noticed an error in the imaging protocol.In this case, the operator inputs a change instruction via the operationunit 27 to correct the error. More specifically, the operator designatesimaging protocols as a change source and a change destination. The X-rayimaging apparatus 20 then causes the change source designation unit 34to designate an imaging protocol based on the instruction from theoperator. That is, the change source designation unit 34 designates theimaging protocol as a change source which has been used for imaging. TheX-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the examination informationacquisition unit 32 to acquire the information of the designated imagingprotocol from the examination information holding unit 38 and notifiesthe imaging protocol changing unit 30 of the information (S101). Notethat the information of the imaging protocol includes, for example,various kinds of parameter information such as an imaging time and animage processing time, sensor information, and imaging executioninformation.

Subsequently, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the changedestination designation unit 35 to designate a change destinationimaging protocol from the examination order under execution based on theinstruction from the operator. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 thencauses the examination information acquisition unit 32 to acquire theinformation of the designated imaging protocol from the examinationinformation holding unit 38, and notifies the imaging protocol changingunit 30 of the information (S102).

In this case, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the imaging protocolchanging unit 30 to determine whether imaging has been executed by usingthe imaging protocol designated by the change destination designationunit 35. This determination is performed based on the informationacquired in step S102. As a result of the determination, imaging usingthe imaging protocol has not been executed (NO in step S103), the X-rayimaging apparatus 20 causes the imaging protocol changing unit 30 toassociate the image captured based on the change source imaging protocolwith the imaging protocol designated as a change destination (S104). TheX-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the examination information updatingunit 33 to update the information held in the examination informationholding unit 38 (S104). The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the imageprocessing unit 36 to re-execute image processing for the image capturedbased on the change source imaging protocol (the image before imageprocessing) by using image processing parameters corresponding to thechange destination imaging protocol (S105). The X-ray imaging apparatus20 then updates the preview image and displays it on the display unit26. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 also causes the imaging protocolchanging unit 30 to shift the state of imaging based on the changesource imaging protocol to the imagine preparation state (non-imagedstate) and shift the imaging state based on the change destinationimaging protocol to the imaged state. At this time, the X-ray imagingapparatus 20 shifts the preparation state of imaging by the sensor tothe imaging ready state. The display unit 26 displays this statetransition, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B (S106).

Upon determining in step S103 that the imaging based on the changedestination imaging protocol has been executed (YES in step S103), theX-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the imaging protocol changing unit 30to interchange the images respectively associated with the change sourceand change destination imaging protocols. The examination informationupdating unit 33 then updates the information held in the examinationinformation holding unit 38 (S107). The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 alsocauses the image processing unit 36 to re-execute image processing foreach of the images captured based on the change source and changedestination imaging protocols (each image before image processing) byusing image processing parameters corresponding to the respectiveimaging protocols (S108). Thereafter, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20updates the preview image and displays it on the display unit 26 (S109).

As described above, the first embodiment can easily cope with even asituation in which imaging based on an examination order has beenexecuted by using a wrong imaging protocol. In addition, it is possibleto easily perform imaging again by using an imaging protocol used forerroneous imaging. This makes it possible to prevent an excessive loadfrom being applied to the operator even if imaging based on anexamination order has been executed by using a wrong imaging protocol.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described next. The second embodiment willexemplify a case in which change conditions are provided at the time ofchanging an imaging protocol.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example of the functional arrangementof an X-ray imaging control unit 25 according to the second embodiment.Note that the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 explaining the firstembodiment denote the same parts in FIG. 5.

A change condition input unit 52 inputs a change condition based on aninstruction from the operator via an operation unit 27. A changecondition holding unit 56 holds the change condition in correspondencewith an imaging protocol. A change condition management unit 53 manageschange conditions corresponding to each imaging protocol. The changecondition management unit 53 includes a change condition registrationunit 54 and a change condition acquisition unit 55. The change conditionregistration unit 54 registers the change condition input from thechange condition input unit 52 in the change condition holding unit 56.The change condition acquisition unit 55 acquires a change conditionheld in the change condition holding unit 56. The change conditions heldin the change condition holding unit 56 include information associatedwith the generation of X-rays (for example, a tube current, tubevoltage, and irradiation period), sensor information indicating the typeof sensor (for example, a standing-position/decubitus type), informationassociated with image processing, and information associated with agrid.

A change control unit 51 includes a change condition determination unit50 which determines whether a change condition is satisfied and animaging protocol changing unit 30 which performs changing processingbased on the determination result.

FIG. 6 explains an example of the operation of an X-ray imagingapparatus 20 according to the second embodiment. For the sake ofconvenience, assume that imaging protocol change conditions are set inadvance.

Assume that imaging based on an examination order has already started,and the operator has noticed an error in the imaging protocol as aresult of a check on a captured image. In order to correct the error,the operator inputs a change instruction via the operation unit 27. Morespecifically, the operator designates imaging protocols as a changesource and a change destination. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 thencauses a change source designation unit 34 to designate an imagingprotocol based on the instruction from the operator. That is, the changesource designation unit 34 designates the imaging protocol as a changesource which has been used for imaging. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20causes an examination information acquisition unit 32 to acquire theinformation of the designated imaging protocol from an examinationinformation holding unit 38 (S201). As described above, the informationof the imaging protocol includes, for example, various kinds ofparameter information such as an imaging time and an image processingtime, sensor information, and imaging execution information.

Subsequently, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes a change destinationdesignation unit 35 to designate a change destination imaging protocolfrom the examination order under execution based on the instruction fromthe operator. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the examinationinformation acquisition unit 32 to acquire the information of thedesignated imaging protocol from the examination information holdingunit 38 (S202).

The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the change condition acquisitionunit 55 to acquire the change conditions held in the change conditionholding unit 56 (S203). The change condition determination unit 50 thenchecks whether the change destination imaging protocol acquired in stepS202 satisfies the change conditions. If the change conditiondetermination unit 50 determines as a result of the check that thechange conditions are not satisfied (NO in step S204), the changingprocessing is inhibited. If the change conditions are satisfied (YES instep S204), the apparatus executes processing similar to that in thefirst embodiment. More specifically, the apparatus executes theprocessing in step S103 and the subsequent steps in FIG. 4.

A concrete example of a processing procedure according to the secondembodiment will be described below. The radiology technician sets sensortype consistency and the like as change conditions in advance in thesystem setting window. Assume that the type of imaging based on animaging protocol before change is a standing-position type, and the typeof imaging based on a change destination imaging protocol is a supinetype. In this case, since the change does not satisfy the condition, theprocessing is inhibited. It is possible to notify the technician of theinhibition of the change by, for example, displaying an inhibition iconor message on the imaging protocol button. Change conditions caninclude, for example, an X-ray irradiation period, tube voltage, tubecurrent, and X-ray dose, and can also include sensor conditions. Notethat it is possible to simultaneously set a plurality of suchconditions.

As described above, the second embodiment allows to inhibit a change toan unintended imaging protocol as well as having the effects of thefirst embodiment. This can prevent the operator from erroneously makinga change, and hence allows an examination to smoothly proceed.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will be described next. The third embodiment willexemplify a case in which after an imaging protocol is changed, theinformation of the change source imaging protocol is handed over to thechange destination imaging protocol.

FIG. 7 explains an example of the functional arrangement of an X-rayimaging control unit 25 according to the third embodiment. Note that thesame reference numerals as in FIGS. 2 and 5 explaining the first andsecond embodiments denote the same parts in FIG. 7.

A handover information setting unit 62 makes setting to determine whichinformation in the information associated with an imaging protocol is tobe handed over. This setting is made based on an instruction from theoperator via an operation unit 27. Note that handover informationincludes information associated with the generation of X-rays (forexample, a tube current, tube voltage, and irradiation period), sensorinformation indicating the type of sensor (for example, astanding-position/decubitus type), information associated with imageprocessing, and information associated with a grid. For example,handover information includes information associated with imageprocessing dependent on conditions at the time of imaging operation, forexample, the presence/absence of a grid and the type of grid.

A handover information holding unit 66 holds handover information incorrespondence with an imaging protocol. A handover informationmanagement unit 63 manages the handover information in correspondencewith each of the imaging protocols. The handover information managementunit 63 includes a handover information registration unit 64 and ahandover information acquisition unit 65. The handover informationregistration unit 64 registers information corresponding to the handoverinformation set by the handover information setting unit 62 in thehandover information holding unit 66. The handover informationacquisition unit 65 acquires the handover information held in thehandover information holding unit 66. The change control unit 51 furtherincludes a handover information reflection unit 60 which checks thepresence/absence of handover information and executes reflectionprocessing of the handover information based on the check result.

FIG. 8 explains an example of the operation of an X-ray imagingapparatus 20 according to the third embodiment. For the sake ofconvenience, assume that handover information of an imaging protocol isset in advance.

Assume that imaging based on an examination order has already started,and the operator has noticed, as a result of checking the capturedimage, an error in the imaging protocol. In order to correct the error,the operator inputs a change instruction via the operation unit 27. Morespecifically, the operator designates imaging protocols as a changesource and a change destination. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 thencauses a change source designation unit 34 to designate an imagingprotocol based on the instruction from the operator. That is, the changesource designation unit 34 designates the imaging protocol as a changesource which has been used for imaging. The X-ray imaging apparatus 20causes an examination information acquisition unit 32 to acquire theinformation of the designated imaging protocol from an examinationinformation holding unit 38 (S301). As described above, the informationof the imaging protocol includes, for example, various kinds ofparameter information such as an imaging time and an image processingtime, sensor information, and imaging execution information.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 then causes a change destinationdesignation unit 35 to designate a change destination imaging protocolfrom the examination order under execution based on an instruction fromthe operator. The examination information acquisition unit 32 acquiresthe information of the designated imaging protocol from the examinationinformation holding unit 38 (S302).

The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 causes the handover informationacquisition unit 65 to acquire handover information associated with thechange source imaging protocol from the handover information holdingunit 66 (S303). The handover information reflection unit 60 then checkswhether any handover information is acquired in step S302. If there isno handover information (NO in step S304), the X-ray imaging apparatus20 executes processing similar to that in the first embodiment. Morespecifically, the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 executes the processing instep S103 and the subsequent steps in FIG. 4. If any handoverinformation is acquired (YES in step S304), the handover information isreflected in the change destination imaging protocol, and thenprocessing similar to that in the first embodiment is executed.

A concrete example of a processing procedure according to the thirdembodiment will be described below. A radiological technician setshandover information and the like in a system setting window or the likein advance. Assume that this handover information is grid information.Assume that in this state, the radiological technician has erroneouslycaptured a chest R-L image while a chest A-P imaging protocol 414 isdesignated. In this case, the imaging protocol is inconsistent with theimaging direction. For this reason, image processing which should beexecuted at the time of capturing a chest A-P image has been executedfor a captured chest R-L image. The operator therefore designates achest A-P imaging protocol 414 as a change source imaging protocol viathe operation unit 27 to set a proper imaging protocol. The operatordesignates the chest R-L imaging protocol 415 from the examination orderdisplay area 44 as a change destination via the operation unit 27. Atthis time, the handover information reflection unit 60 reflects, in thechest R-L imaging protocol 415 as a change destination, the settingindicating the presence of a grid in the chest A-P imaging protocol 414as a change source.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the informationof a change source imaging protocol is handed over to a changedestination imaging protocol. This can save the trouble of adjustingimage processing after the change of an imaging protocol, and hence canreduce the load on the operator accompanying the change of an imagingprotocol.

The typical embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodimentsdescribed above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and can bemodified and executed as needed within the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, the arrangements described in the second andthird embodiments may be combined and executed.

In addition, the present invention can take embodiments as a system,apparatus, method, program, storage medium, and the like. Morespecifically, the present invention can be applied to a system includinga plurality of devices, or to an apparatus including a single device.

Other Embodiments

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method, the steps ofwhich are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory deviceto perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (for example, computer-readable storage medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging control apparatus comprising: adisplay control unit configured to display, on a display unit, aplurality of pieces of imaging protocol information; a designation unitconfigured to designate a first imaging protocol and a second imagingprotocol; and a control unit configured to associate, in a case whereimaging using one imaging protocol of the first imaging protocol and thesecond imaging protocol has not been executed, an image captured basedon the other imaging protocol with the one imaging protocol.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said designation unit designatesan imaging protocol of a change destination and an imaging protocol of achange source with which a captured image is associated, and in a casewhere imaging using the imaging protocol of the change destination hasnot been executed, said control unit associates a captured imageassociated with the imaging protocol of the change source with theimaging protocol of the change destination.
 3. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said designation unit designates an imaging protocolof a change destination and an imaging protocol of a change source withwhich a captured image is associated, and in a case where imaging usingthe imaging protocol of the change destination has been executed, saidcontrol unit interchanges respective images associated with the firstimaging protocol and the second imaging protocol.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said control unit associates an imagecaptured based on the other imaging protocol with the one imagingprotocol, and shifts an imaging state based on the other imagingprotocol to a non-imaged state.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4,wherein said display control unit changes a display of at least one ofthe first and second imaging protocols in accordance with the shift ofthe imaging state.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidcontrol unit associates an image captured based on the other imagingprotocol with the one imaging protocol, and shifts an imaging statebased on the one imaging protocol to an imaged state.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein said display control unit changes adisplay of at least one of the first and second imaging protocols inaccordance with the shift of the imaging state.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured toperform processing for respective images associated with the firstimaging protocol and the second imaging protocol, based on processingconditions corresponding respectively to the first imaging protocol andthe second imaging protocol.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8,wherein said processing unit performs the processing in accordance witha change of an association between the first imaging protocol and thesecond imaging protocol.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid display control unit generates a reduced image from the capturedimage.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imagingprotocol includes information of an imaging condition for capturing animage.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said displaycontrol unit displays the first imaging protocol and the second imagingprotocol and reduced images of the images associated with the firstimaging protocol and the second imaging protocol.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein a display window displayed by saiddisplay control unit has a first display area to display the firstimaging protocol and the second imaging protocol and the reduced images,and a second display area to display an image having a size larger thaneach size of the reduced images.
 14. The apparatus according to claim13, wherein, after processing corresponding to the one imaging protocolhas been executed, said display control unit displays an image on whichthe processing has been executed on the second display area.
 15. Aprocessing method for an imaging control apparatus that includes atleast a processor and a memory, the method comprising: displaying, on adisplay unit, a plurality of pieces of imaging protocol information;designating a first imaging protocol and a second imaging protocol inthe processor; and associating in the processor, in a case where imagingusing one imaging protocol of the first imaging protocol and the secondimaging protocol has not been executed, an image captured based on theother imaging protocol with the one imaging protocol.
 16. A radiographicimaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit configured to detectradiation; and a radiographic imaging control apparatus configured tocontrol imaging based on the radiation detected by said imaging unit,wherein said radiographic imaging control apparatus comprises: a displaycontrol unit configured to display, on a display unit, a plurality ofpieces of imaging protocol information; a designation unit configured todesignate a first imaging protocol and a second imaging protocol; and acontrol unit configured to associate, in a case where imaging using oneimaging protocol of the first imaging protocol and the second imagingprotocol has not been executed, an image captured based on the otherimaging protocol with the one imaging protocol.
 17. A radiographicimaging control apparatus which controls imaging based on an examinationorder including a plurality of imaging protocols, the apparatuscomprising: a processing unit configured to execute processing for acaptured image based on a first imaging protocol, which is used at thetime of imaging; a change source designation unit configured todesignate a change source imaging protocol from the examination orderbased on an instruction from an operator, the change source imagingprotocol being the first imaging protocol; a change destinationdesignation unit configured to designate a change destination imagingprotocol from the examination order based on an instruction from theoperator; a changing unit configured to change the imaging protocolcorresponding to the image captured based on the change source imagingprotocol from the change source imaging protocol to the changedestination imaging protocol; and a change condition management unitconfigured to manage a change condition at the time of the change bysaid changing unit in correspondence with the imaging protocol.
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 17, wherein, in a case where making thechange if imaging based on the change destination imaging protocol hasnot been executed, said changing unit shifts an imaging state based onthe change source imaging protocol to a non-imaged state, and shifts animaging state based on the change destination imaging protocol to animaged state.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, in acase of shifting an imaging state based on the change destinationimaging protocol to an imaged state, said changing unit shifts animaging state by said imaging unit from an imaging preparation state toan imaging ready state.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 17, whereinsaid changing unit changes the imaging protocol corresponding to theimage captured based on the change destination imaging protocol from thechange destination imaging protocol to the change source imagingprotocol in a case where imaging based on the change destination imagingprotocol has been executed, and said processing unit executes processingbased on the change source imaging protocol for the image which iscaptured based on the change destination imaging protocol, in a casewhere the change is made if imaging based on the change destinationimaging protocol has been executed.
 21. The apparatus according to claim17, further comprising a determination unit configured to determinewhether the change destination imaging protocol at the time of thechange by said changing unit satisfies the change condition managed bysaid change condition management unit, wherein said changing unit makesthe change in a case where said determination unit determines that thechange destination imaging protocol satisfies the change condition. 22.The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said change conditionincludes a condition corresponding to at least one of information of theradiation generator, information of the radiation detector, informationof processing by said processing unit, and information associated with agrid.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: ahandover information management unit configured to manage handoverinformation to be handed over from the change source imaging protocol tothe change destination imaging protocol at the time of the change madeby said changing unit in correspondence with the imaging protocol; and areflection unit configured to reflect the handover information managedby said handover information management unit at the time of the changemade by said changing unit in the change destination imaging protocol.24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the handoverinformation includes at least one of information of the radiationgenerator, information of the radiation detector, information ofprocessing by said processing unit, and information associated with agrid.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the imagingprotocol includes at least one of information of the radiationgenerator, information of the radiation detector, information ofprocessing by said processing unit, and information associated with agrid.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the processing tobe executed by said processing unit includes an image processing.
 27. Aprocessing method for a radiographic imaging control apparatus whichcontrols imaging based on an examination order including a plurality ofimaging protocols, the method comprising: executing processing for acaptured image based on a first imaging protocol, which is used at thetime of performing an imaging; designating a change source imagingprotocol from the examination order based on an instruction from anoperator, the change source imaging protocol being the first imagingprotocol; designating a change destination imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from the operator; changingthe imaging protocol corresponding to the image captured based on thechange source imaging protocol from the change source imaging protocolto the change destination imaging protocol; and managing a changecondition at the time of the change by the changing step incorrespondence with the imaging protocol.
 28. A radiographic imagingapparatus comprising: an imaging unit configured to detect radiation;and a radiographic imaging control apparatus configured to controlimaging based on an examination order including a plurality of imagingprotocols, wherein said radiographic imaging control apparatuscomprises: a processing unit configured to execute processing for acaptured image based on a first imaging protocol, which is used at thetime of imaging by said imaging unit; a change source designation unitconfigured to designate a change source imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from an operator, the changesource imaging protocol being the first imaging protocol; a changedestination designation unit configured to designate a changedestination imaging protocol from the examination order based on aninstruction from the operator; a changing unit configured to change theimaging protocol corresponding to the image captured based on the changesource imaging protocol from the change source imaging protocol to thechange destination imaging protocol; and a change condition managementunit configured to manage a change condition at the time of the changeby said changing unit in correspondence with the imaging protocol.
 29. Aradiographic imaging system comprising: a radiation generation apparatusconfigured to generate radiation; a radiographic imaging apparatusconfigured to detect the radiation and execute imaging based on thedetected radiation, wherein said radiographic imaging apparatuscomprises: an imaging unit configured to detect radiation; and aradiographic imaging control apparatus which controls imaging based onan examination order including a plurality of imaging protocols, whereinthe radiographic imaging control apparatus comprises: a processing unitconfigured to execute processing for a captured image based on a firstimaging protocol, which is used at the time of imaging by said imagingunit; a change source designation unit configured to designate a changesource imaging protocol from the examination order based on aninstruction from an operator, the change source imaging protocol beingthe first imaging protocol; a change destination designation unitconfigured to designate a change destination imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from the operator; a changingunit configured to change the imaging protocol corresponding to theimage captured based on the change source imaging protocol from thechange source imaging protocol to the change destination imagingprotocol; and a change condition management unit configured to manage achange condition at the time of the change by said changing unit incorrespondence with the imaging protocol.
 30. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing acomputer to execute a processing method comprising: displaying, on adisplay unit, a plurality of pieces of imaging protocol information;designating a first imaging protocol and a second imaging protocol;associating, in a case where imaging using one imaging protocol of thefirst imaging protocol and the second imaging protocol has not beenexecuted, an image captured based on the other imaging protocol with theone imaging protocol.
 31. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a processingmethod comprising: executing processing for a captured image based on afirst imaging protocol, which is used at the time of performing animaging; designating a change source imaging protocol from theexamination order based on an instruction from an operator, the changesource imaging protocol being the first imaging protocol; designating achange destination imaging protocol from the examination order based onan instruction from the operator; changing the imaging protocolcorresponding to the image captured based on the change source imagingprotocol from the change source imaging protocol to the changedestination imaging protocol; and managing a change condition at thetime of the change by the changing step in correspondence with theimaging protocol.